Anthony Rendon’s Hip Surgery: A Major Setback for the Los Angeles Angels
In a development that has left Los Angeles Angels fans holding their breath, the oft-injured third baseman Anthony Rendon is set to undergo hip surgery. This news, confirmed by the Angels’ general manager Perry Minasian, means Rendon is expected to miss a significant amount of time. It’s a tough pill to swallow for a team that has been eagerly waiting for Rendon to return to his former glory.
Rendon’s journey with the Angels has been anything but smooth since he signed a seven-year, $245 million contract and made his debut during the pandemic-abbreviated 2020 season. At 34, Rendon has not played more than 58 games in any season with the Angels. This is a stark contrast to his stellar 2019 season with the Washington Nationals, where he boasted a 1.010 OPS, hit 34 home runs, and led the major leagues with 126 RBIs. However, his OPS over five years with the Angels has dwindled to just .717.
Since the start of the 2021 season, Rendon has played in only 205 games and missed 438, with 12 stints on the injured list. The 2024 season was particularly challenging for him, as he faced three stints on the injured list due to hamstring, lower back, and oblique issues. He ended the season with a .218 batting average, zero home runs, and 14 RBIs in 206 at-bats.
Rendon’s performance with the Angels has been a shadow of his time with the Nationals. He has hit .242 with 22 home runs and 125 RBIs since joining the Angels, compared to a .290 average with 136 homers and 546 RBIs during his seven seasons with the Nationals.
Opportunity Knocks for Yoan Moncada
With Rendon sidelined, the Angels have turned to their recent free agent acquisition, Yoan Moncada, to fill the void at third base. Moncada, a 29-year-old switch-hitter, signed a $5 million deal with the Angels and is set to become the everyday starting third baseman. Moncada had a breakout year in 2019 with the Chicago White Sox, but his recent performance has been less than stellar. Over the past three seasons, he slashed .236/.291/.387 while playing in only 208 games.
Last year was particularly tough for Moncada, as he played in only 12 games for a White Sox team that lost a record 121 games. An adductor strain kept him out for five months, and he returned on September 18, only to take one at-bat before missing the rest of the season.
What Lies Ahead for the Angels?
The Angels are now faced with the challenge of navigating the upcoming season without Rendon, a player they had high hopes for when they signed him. The team will be looking to Moncada to step up and fill the gap left by Rendon’s absence. While Moncada has shown potential in the past, his recent track record raises questions about his ability to consistently perform at a high level.
- Anthony Rendon is undergoing hip surgery and will miss significant time.
- Rendon has not played more than 58 games in any season with the Angels.
- Yoan Moncada is set to become the everyday starting third baseman for the Angels.
- Moncada signed a $5 million deal with the Angels.
As the Angels prepare for the season ahead, fans will be watching closely to see how the team adapts to these changes. The hope is that Moncada can find his form and provide the stability the team needs at third base. Meanwhile, Rendon’s recovery will be closely monitored, with the team and fans alike hoping for a successful return to the field.
Originally Written by: ESPNAlden GonzalezJeff PassanJesse RogersESPNESPNESPN FantasyESPNAlden Gonzalez
